Fort Frederick State Park Hosts Families in Nature Holiday Weekend

Features a variety of outdoor activities September 1-3

Big Pool, Md. (August 24, 2012) ─  Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to experience the scenic wilds of Fort Frederick State Park through a variety of activities and guided explorations at the Families in Nature Holiday Weekend, starting at 11 a.m. September 1- 3.

“Although best known for its history programs, Fort Frederick State Park offers more than historic exhibits and demonstrations,” said Naturalist Charles Sullivan. “Nature has shaped this landscape into a beautiful, dynamic area that features a variety of recreational opportunities. There is something here for everyone.”

Families in Nature Holiday Weekend will feature three days of scheduled outdoor programs and presentations─ along with plenty of ways for visitor to enjoy and explore the park on their own, or with the help of a ranger.

Scheduled events are as follows:

Saturday, September 1
• 11 a.m. Children’s nature stories and crafts
• 1 p.m. Aquatic life and water quality of the Potomac, a presentation by the river
• 4 p.m. The Wild Fruits and Seeds of Autumn, naturalist-led walk
• 8 p.m. Things that Go Bump in the Night, guided night-hike listening to creatures of the night

Sunday, September 2
• 11 a.m. Nature crafts for children
• 1 p.m. Children’s story-hour, featuring a reading of The Little Red Bat
• 3 p.m. How to create a butterfly/hummingbird garden
• 4 p.m. How to create a backyard habitat for wildlife

Monday, September 3
• 11 a.m. Ranger-led Beaver Pond walk
• 1 p.m. Talk on what it’s like to be a park ranger
• 2 p.m. Interactive presentation on the diet of an owl

In addition to scheduled programs, there will be ongoing activities led by a ranger or naturalist throughout the weekend.

Guests are also invited to bring their kayaks or canoes to paddle on the flat-water of the two-mile long Big Pool; load-up the bicycles to ride on the adjacent paved Western Maryland Rail Trail or the historic C&O Canal towpath; camp out at one of the park’s 29 campsites along the scenic Potomac; or pack binoculars and a camera to view wildlife in the park and along the Potomac River. A naturalist will be on hand to answer visitor questions and to help guests explore the park. The nature center is also open to visitors daily until 5 p.m.

The park reminds families that this will be one of the last chances to take advantage the chance to complete the 2012 Park Quest at Fort Frederick State Park and the adjacent Western Maryland Rail Trail.

There is a $3 service charge per vehicle for Maryland residents and $5 per vehicle for non-residents. Food, gift and souvenir items will be available for sale at Captain Wort's Sutler Shop.

Events will take place rain or shine.

Fort Frederick is located off of Rt 70 exit 12 at State Route 56, Big Pool. More information is available by calling the park at 301-842-2155.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov